You may have seen recent news coverage about changes to Louisiana law regarding marijuana and controlled dangerous substances in and around schools. In case you missed it, we are sharing this information to help students, families and our community understand the revised statute and the changes that took effect August 1, 2026. Please take a moment to review the information below and be aware of how the law applies on and around school property.
πππππππππ ππ ππππππ ππ π πππππ
πππππππππ πππ πππππππ ππ ππππππ π, ππππ
Up to 1 Year in Prison with or without hard labor
Up to a $1,000 fine in addition to imprisonment
WHERE THE LAW APPLIES
On school property. Within 2,000 feet of school property. On a school bus.
This covers every public and nonpublic elementary, middle, and high school in Louisiana.
La. R.S. 40:981.3(A), (C)(1)
WHAT CHANGED ON AUGUST 1, 2026
Act 305 of the 2026 Regular Session set a new penalty for marijuana possession in a school zone: imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for up to one year, plus a fine of up to $1,000. Before August 1, possessing 14 grams or less carried a fine of up to $100.
La. R.S. 40:981.3(E); La. R.S. 40:966(C)(2)(a)(i)
VAPING COUNTS
Act 305 also added a new paragraph reaching anyone who violates the drug laws βwhile smoking, vaping, or otherwise abusingβ a controlled dangerous substance in these locations. A THC vape pen counts.
La. R.S. 40:981.3(A)(4)
THIS IS FELONY-LEVEL EXPOSURE
Louisiana defines a felony as any crime for which the offender may be sentenced to imprisonment at hard labor. The new penalty allows a sentence at hard labor.
La. R.S. 14:2(4)
βI DIDNβT KNOW I WAS NEAR A SCHOOLβ IS NOT A DEFENSE
The statute states that lack of knowledge that the act occurred on or within 2,000 feet of school property is not a defense.
La. R.S. 40:981.3(B)
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE IS SEPARATE FROM THE CRIMINAL CASE
A student in grades 6 through 12 found guilty of possessing marijuana at school, on a school bus, or at a school event may be recommended for expulsion on a first occurrence. A second or later occurrence requires expulsion for at least two complete school semesters and referral to the district attorney.
La. R.S. 17:416(C)(2)(a)(i), (ii), (b)
